Free Wednesday Wisdom CLE for Solo & Small Firm Section members.* Nov. 18 live Zoom webinar presented by Lee “Pete” Muschott. “Essentials of Sovereign Immunity Litigation Under §768.28” will provide the foundation for prosecuting claims against governmental entities or defending those entities against claims for negligence. Course number 4250. CLE credit approval pending. *Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed. REGISTER

Dec. 2 Wednesday Wisdom free CLE on Zoom for Solo & Small Firm Section members.* Join attorney Joshua Hertz and business development and law firm coach Paula Black for an informative Wednesday Wisdom about the different ways to ethically generate passive income. As a solo or small-firm attorney, we know all too well that there are only so many hours in a day and adding one more thing to our to-do list is unthinkable. But what if that one thing could be revenue-generating to help you through the times when business is slow? Such as serving as coverage counsel or signing up for conflict cases. Join us for a lively discussion about ethically supplementing your income. Course number 4251. 1.0 General CLE credit, all of which may be applied toward Ethics. *Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed. REGISTER

• Joshua J. Hertz is solo at The Law Offices of Joshua J. Hertz, P.A.  He began his legal career clerking for his brother law firm Eric Hertz P.C., in Atlanta in the late 90s.  He assisted with many personal injury trials in which some have reached record-breaking verdicts in the state.  After graduating from law school he opened his own law firm concentrating in personal injury law in 2001.
• Paula Black is one of the leading business development coaches for lawyers. She regularly shows her clients how to attract more clients and grow their businesses while still having the personal life they really want. Black’s most gratifying work is one-on-one coaching where she can witness the growth and change that individuals experience with her guidance. She was voted one of the Top Legal Business Development Coaches and is on Forbes Coaching Council. She is an award-winning and bestselling author of The Little Black Book series and has published her fifth book, A Lawyer’s Guide to Creating a Life Not Just A Living, available on Amazon.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 live InReach webinar presented by Bill Curphey. This seminar will provide examples of unprofessional behavior and suggest how to deal with it.  Also discussed will be the Professionalism Expectations included in key Florida Bar documents; the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar upon which disciplinary action is usually based for unprofessionalism; informative cases; local professionalism panels; the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program; the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism; and the 17th Judicial Circuit Pilot program on professionalism and civility. Course number 4252. 1.0 General, 1.0 Professionalism credits. Section members register for only $50.  REGISTER

Bill Curphey has been practicing for over 45 years, beginning as a trial attorney for the U.S. Dept. of Labor prosecuting companies for violations of federal labor and employment laws and then associate counsel for a Fortune 200 company where he coordinated litigation nationwide.  He has been with Big Law firms before starting his own practice 20 years ago, mainly as a commercial litigator representing businesses large and small nationwide mostly in federal court. He has built a national practice while maintaining a small-town lifestyle in Bradenton, Florida.

Tuesday, January 19, 2020. Live GoToWebinar presented by Luca Hickman, Registered Patent Attorney, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. of Fort Myers. Moderator: Chris Johnson. Course 4276. approved for 1.0 General; 1.0 Technology CLE credit. REGISTER

“Digital IP: Helping Clients Protect, Defend & Recover Intellectual Property Rights Online, In Social Media & E-Commerce Platforms” will discuss strategies to protect increasingly important digital IP by registering domain names and social media handles, and by using Trademark and Copyright Laws. Luca L. Hickman, Esq., Registered Patent Attorney, will highlight proactive defense strategies to defend and attack against third party infringement of digital IP rights, including social media takedowns, and using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”).  Recovering converted social media accounts and fighting cybersquatting via the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute Resolution will also be covered.

Luca is a registered U.S. patent attorney and a Canadian foreign Trademark Agent at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. in Fort Myers. After graduating with degrees in electrical engineering from universities in both the U.S. and Germany, he earned his Juris Doctorate from the Ave Maria School of Law – graduating first in his class. With his scientific background, Luca understands the unique technical and legal challenges his clients face, and uses that knowledge to represent engineers, architects and other design professionals against design defect and professional liability claims. He also works with inventors, artists and musicians in high profile matters, including multi-million dollar mergers and acquisitions involving publicly traded companies and celebrities, oversees the creation and management of global intellectual property portfolios, brand licensing and anti-counterfeiting work, and was called upon to assist in a complex U.S. Supreme Court case. Luca and his wife, Erica, live in Estero, Florida.

January 27, 12 – 1 PM Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar, free CLE for Solo & Small Firm Section members.* Presented by Rob Howard, President/Principal of RC Howard and Associates, LLC; a certified Sandler Training Center. Course 4204. Approved for 1.0 General CLE credit. REGISTER

“Professional Approach to Managing the Client Experience” will demonstrate advanced communication techniques incorporating a repeatable systemic approach and supporting processes for managing the overall client experience that can impact client satisfaction, sustained positive financial performance and growth for the firm or practice. Topics will include how being intentional with client care and voice of the client can shape an approach and methodology to manage your client’s perception and experience while addressing issues in “real-time,” how to avoid a “transactional” impression and ways to establish professional rapport and trust, the foundation for referrals. Course number and 1.0 General CLE credit pending. *Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

Robert C. Howard is founder and president of RC Howard and Associates, LLC; a certified Sandler Training Center. Robert has 39 years of domestic and international experience in leadership and other roles across business development, client care, development, and management. Sandler Training is a global learning & development (L&D) company and provider of specific training and L&D platforms for leadership, management, client development, and client management to professional services. Nationally recognized L&D provider to law firms in the U.S.

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Friday, February 12 live GoToWebinar. “Virtually Irresistible:  Tech Tools and Strategies for Solo and Small Firms.” 8 A.M. – 12:55 P.M. $185 Section Members, $230 Non-Section Members, 5.0 General; 3.0 Technology CLE credits. Course number 4253. Registrants will have 90-day, on-demand access. REGISTER NOW

Don’t miss the all-new Solo & Small Firm Conference, featuring prestigious speakers and timely, engaging topics to benefit YOUR practice.

8–8:10 AM Welcome and introductions.

8:10–9 AM  Let’s Talk. Improving Team Building and Communication Skills in A Virtual World.   One of the challenges of the virtual world is learning how to work effectively as a team. In addition, working remotely adds new wrinkles to how we communicate – not only with the team but with clients. This session will provide strategies that will help you more fully engage your team and tips to improve your communication with both your team and with clients. Presented by Nora Bergman of Real Life Practice.

9–9:55 AM  Systems Thinking and Technology for Running The Lean Law Firm. While nearly every industry has jumped with both feet into the future, law firms have mostly failed to capitalize on the “science of industrial management.” No more. Learn how to transform your law firm using Lean methods and technologies pioneered by Toyota and relied upon by the world’s most profitable and highest performing companies from Dave Maxfield, lawyer and co-author of the ABA’s bestselling book,  “The Lean Law Firm.”

9:55–10:10 AM  Break

10:10–11:05 AM  Virtual Law Clerks and Contract Lawyers: Hiring, Training and Firing; Outsourcing. How do you find contract lawyers, integrate them into your practice, and provide sufficient oversight? What are the employment law considerations when hiring, training and firing law clerks and contract attorneys, particularly when working virtually?  How do you determine the appropriate rates? Presented by Kristin Tyler of LawClerk.

11:05 AM–12 PM  Law Firm Autopilot. Effectively leveraging technology and automating aspects of your practice will free you up to focus on meaningful work. Presented by “Ernie the Attorney” Ernie Svenson.

12–12:55 PM  How to Sustain and Grow a Solo and Small Firm Practice With the Use of Technology. A panel discussion with practitioners who have established successful solo and small firms will discuss their practice models and use of technology. Moderator: Cristina Alonso of Alonso Appeals. Panelists: April Martindale of Martindale Law, Camara Williams of Smith & Williams Trial Group, and Liz McCausland of Liz McCausland, P.A.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021, live GoTo Webinar. Presented by Nicole (Niki) Black, Attorney with MyCase, Rochester, NY. Moderator, Larry Stein. Course number 4277. Approved for 1.0 General; 1.0 Technology CLE credits. Section members register for only $50. REGISTER

Artificial intelligence (AI) for law firms is a hot topic these days, and for good reason: AI has the potential to save lawyers time and money, as does using automation and technology tools. Nicole (Niki) Black, “Legal Technology Evangelist” from My Case will explain how AI technologies hold the promise of automating the mundane aspects of practicing law, allowing lawyers to focus on more interesting, high-level analytical tasks. However, AI software is still in its infancy and has a way to go before it becomes both useful and affordable for solo and small firm attorneys. The good news is that you don’t need AI software to get started with automating your solo or smaller firm law practice. There are a host of tools already in existence that will automate your law firm’s processes. In this talk, you’ll learn about technologies that will help you streamline your law firm, whether you’re looking to automate document assembly, billing and invoicing processes, or case to-dos and deadlines.

Nicole Black is a Rochester, New York attorney, author, journalist, and the Legal Technology Evangelist at MyCase, legal practice management software. She is the nationally-recognized author of “Cloud Computing for Lawyers” (2012) and co-authors “Social Media for Lawyers: The Next Frontier” (2010), both published by the American Bar Association. She also co-authors “Criminal Law in New York,” a Thomson Reuters treatise. She writes regular columns for Above the Law, ABA Journal, and The Daily Record, has authored hundreds of articles for other publications, and regularly speaks at conferences regarding the intersection of law and emerging technologies. She is an ABA Legal Rebel, and is listed on the Fastcase 50 and ABA LTRC Women in Legal Tech. She can be contacted at niki.black@mycase.com.

Feb. 24 live Zoom Webinar, 12-1 p.m. Wednesday Wisdom free CLE for Solo & Small Firm Section members.* Presented by Kevin Rabin, Senior Staff Attorney, Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. in Gainesville. REGISTER

This webinar will provide training on the basics of Florida’s residential landlord/tenant laws, including the different types of residential rental housing, the steps of the eviction process, and some of the common issues that occur in residential housing disputes and eviction cases. The webinar also focuses on how steps taken by state and federal entities have affected the Florida eviction process, including recent developments with the CDC eviction moratorium and its recent extension. This presentation is intended to be welcoming to practitioners unfamiliar with the essentials of residential landlord/tenant law but also may be valuable to anyone who specializes in the area. Course number and 1.0 General CLE credit pending. *Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

Kevin Rabin is a staff attorney with Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. in Gainesville, FL. Mr. Rabin has worked for both Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc., serving the communities of North Florida for 7 years. He has focused exclusively on rental housing (both private and subsidized), fair housing, and consumer law since 2016. He has litigated hundreds of eviction, debt collection, foreclosure, and consumer protection suits to completion, and is currently serving as the co-chair of the Florida Housing Umbrella Group. He has participated in multiple amicus curiae briefs filed in federal and state appellate courts related to housing programs and fair housing rights, including Fox v. Gaines before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. He has presented to landlords, tenants, public housing authorities, non-profits, and public officials regarding a wide variety of housing-related topics, including preservation of existing low-income rental housing and tenants’ rights. He graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law cum laude in 2013.

Join LAWCLERK Co-Founder Kristin Tyler on March 11 at noon for a free, introductory webinar on LAWCLERK. Want to start outsourcing? Not sure how to get started? Get answers here—it’s easier than you may think. Plus, Kristin will give an overview of LAWCLERK’s new partnership with the section.

Solo & Small Firm Section members now can earn rebates when they hire freelance attorneys through LAWCLERK—and the section will receive a share of the revenue for each member who signs up and uses an account. Sign up as a freelancer or create a hiring attorney account to connect with talented attorney freelancers from the section. The exclusive rebate and referral code is FLSSF-MEMBER. Get details.

LAWCLERK is where attorneys go to hire freelance lawyers. The company has built a nationwide network of over 3,400 freelance lawyers—called Lawclerks—who can help busy attorneys with research, any sort of written document, discovery, or other project-based written work. Don’t miss the March 11 webinar to learn how you can get started. REGISTER

Tuesday, March 16, 2021, live GoToWebinar. Presented by Renee Thompson and Liz McCausland.

“Increase Your Law Firm Productivity and Efficiency Using Apps” will highlight various applications that attorneys can use in their professional lives to make their practices more efficient and productive. Course number 4556. Approved for 1.0 General; 1.0 Technology CLE credit. REGISTER

Renee E. Thompson is a solo civil trial attorney and mediator from Ocala, Florida. She is an active leader in The Florida Bar, serving on the Board of Governors as the current Technology Chair and Member Benefit Liaison and on the Executive Council of the Solo and Small Firm Section. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law in the area of Practice Management and Technology, and has received the General Practice/ Solo and Small Firm Section’s Walter S. Crumbley Award for her contributions in the area of Practice Management. She established a  reputation at a young age as a high achiever, as President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division and inaugural Chair of The Florida Bar Leadership Academy, and received the President’s Award of Merit twice while serving on the Board of Governors.

Liz McCausland has been practicing law for over 20 years after graduating from the University of Florida with both her Bachelor of Arts and JD degrees. She practiced civil litigation representing both individuals and national corporations before starting her own firm. Ms. McCausland now concentrates in bankruptcy and mediation. She is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. She served on committees to establish both the Orlando Bankruptcy Division’s Mortgage Modification Mediation Program, as well as the Orange County Mortgage Modification Program.

She has conducted over 4,000 Mortgage Modification Mediations in every district in Florida, as well as in Indiana, California, Nevada, and Arizona. She travels throughout the US to teach other attorneys and mediators how to successfully obtain and mediate mortgage modifications in bankruptcy.

Liz has served in leadership positions in many voluntary bar associations and has won awards for her devoted service including being recognized with the Lawrence G. Matthews Professionalism Award. She is a past president of the Orange County Bar Association, and serves on the executive board of the Florida Bar’s Solo and Small Firm Section. She has also previously served on the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section, The Florida Bar’s Leadership Academy Committee and on the executive board of the Central Florida Association For Women Lawyers.

Liz is a self-proclaimed gadget geek and has never met an app she didn’t try. Unfortunately, the nuances of Microsoft Excel still confound her.